Letting the Buffalo Roam
 Tens of millions of bison once thundered across much of North America, helping shape the landscape and keeping grasslands healthy.
Now the Yellowstone bison -- some of the last wild bison in North America -- face slaughter. As they leave the park's boundaries in search of winter feeding grounds, they are either hazed back into the park to possible starvation or shipped off to slaughter. This winter alone, a record number of bison -- more than 1,300 -- were killed by federal and Montana state officials.
Defenders is working to end to this modern-day bison slaughter by collaborating with state and federal officials to develop a more science-based bison management policy. We're also working to ensure that the buffalo can once again roam on thousands of acres of national forests and other public lands.
Find out more about our work on bison
Support our work to save bison and other wildlife
Take action to stop the bison slaughter
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Action of the Month
Celebrate Earth Day -- Take the Pledge
This Earth Day, why not take the time to visit some of our national treasures? Odds are, there's a National Wildlife Refuge or other public lands near you.
Take our Earth Day Pledge -- and support these special places, and the ocelots, songbirds and other wildlife that depend on them. It's one of the 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth!
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Defenders Updates
"Waive" Goodbye to Border Wildlife?The Bush/Cheney Administration announced that it would waive dozens of laws -- including those ensuring clean drinking water for families and protections for wildlife and wild places -- to build a destructive 470-mile long border wall. The decision could spell disaster for the recovery of America's jaguars, ocelots and other border wildlife. Defenders has petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the administration's authority to overturn virtually any law. >>Read More
Seeing the Forests for the Industries
Once again, the Bush/Cheney Administration wants to make it easier to drill, mine and log in our national forests. Defenders and our conservation partners are preparing to go back to court to challenge the latest harmful proposal to weaken the National Forest Management Regulations.
>>Read More
Western Wolves' Tentative Steps
Sightings of wolves in Oregon and Utah this year show that wolves throughout the west are taking their first fragile steps back into their historic habitat. But with the loss of vital federal protections in the Greater Yellowstone region, it remains to be seen whether wolves will ever be able to recover elsewhere in the West.
>> Take Action: Support a National Wolf Recovery Plan
Quel Dia!
Nearly 1,000 people gathered in Tucson, Arizona for Dia de los Lobos -- a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the return of Southwest wolves to the wild. The engaging event featured a variety of activities, from face painting to a pyrotechnic show from dance troupe Flam Chen. The festivities highlighted the ongoing efforts of wolf recovery and why this amazing keystone species belongs in the wild.
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Wildlife Heroes
Garden State Guardians
Last month, New Jersey Governor John Corzine and the state legislature gave a big boost to some avian tourists. The red knot makes a stopover on New Jersey's shores to fuel up primarily on horseshoe crab eggs. This important pit stop gives the red knots the energy they need to continue the journey to their Arctic breeding grounds.
The decline in horseshoe crab eggs is a primary cause of the red knot's decline. With fewer than 20,000 of these shorebirds left, and extinction looming on the horizon, decisive action was needed.
Thanks to the nearly 2,000 Defenders activist in New Jersey who sent messages to their elected officials, the Garden State's legislature came through and passed vital legislation to continue a ban on commercial harvests of horseshoe crabs. Governor Corzine signed the legislation into law on March 25th.
Find out more about red knots
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 Salmon
Born in freshwater rivers and streams, salmon spend most of their lives in the open ocean. When they return to freshwater to spawn in the very same places where they were born, many have traveled hundreds of miles to reach their destination. Salmon off the coast of California and Oregon are in such a severe decline that federal officials have called off this year's fishing season -- an unprecedented move.
Read more about salmon
50 Ways to Please Your Mother (Earth)
From saving energy to protecting wildlife, there are simple things you can do to make a difference. Defenders is a proud partner of the all new 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Save The Earth (check out our entry on National Wildlife Refuges on page 82!).
Head over to 50simplethings.com and start changing the world today!
Have an Enviro Tip to share?
E-mail us! 
Whether you are an activist looking for ways to make your voice heard or a biologist seeking a conference where you can share your latest paper, Defenders has an event for you.
Click here for the latest upcoming events. |
View wildlife photos from Defenders supporters -- and send in some of your own! 
